Are Digital Wallets Safe for Online and In-Store Shopping in 2025?
We’re on the verge of some of the busiest shopping events of the year. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, the lead-up to Christmas – it’s a great time to grab a bargain and get yourself sorted for the festive period.
The UK spends more on Christmas shopping than any other European country, which is great for retailers. However, it also opens the door for criminals looking to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers.
Whether you’re at the tills or shopping online, you’ve probably seen (or even used) digital wallets to complete your purchase. Services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and even PayPal offer easy, seamless payment in just a few clicks. But how safe are they?
Are Digital Wallets Secure?
The short answer is yes. The digital wallets you might use when shopping online or in-store are generally safe and reliable. In fact, they have some security advantages over physical cards.
Using a contactless payment method like Apple Pay is usually more secure than using a debit or credit card, either online or in person. This is because:
You don’t expose your card number. Transactions with a physical card expose more of its information to the merchant. This includes the card number and other payment details, opening the door to scams through skimming devices and data breaches. Apple Pay uses a process called tokenisation to keep these numbers hidden. Instead, it uses a unique, one-time-use number each time. The process is also highly encrypted, and Apple Pay doesn’t store your card number anywhere.
There’s less risk if someone steals your device. A stolen card leaves you vulnerable to unauthorised contactless payments. But every transaction through Apple Pay requires authentication with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. Even if you lose your phone, there’s no easy way for someone to use your Apple Wallet.
So, There Are No Risks?
Not quite. Security risks exist with any payment method. And it’s still your responsibility to keep your financial information safe in other ways.
For example, you may be vulnerable to phishing attempts and scams, just like you are with any other payment method. Someone could trick you into sending money or handing over payment information that might expose your accounts. You could also use Apple Pay, PayPal, or Google Pay on a fake website and lose your money.
Someone who knows your passcode and has access to your phone could also make transactions, bypassing other security steps.
How to Spend Safely With Digital Wallets
You can take a few simple steps to protect yourself and your devices. First of all, make sure you have biometric authentication set up for both your devices and any digital wallets you have. This step adds an extra layer of security if you lose any devices.
If you’re shopping online, using a virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your online traffic to protect you from dodgy sites and Wi-Fi. It could even help you avoid targeted pricing – that’s a win-win. Keep an eye out for Black Friday VPN deals to grab a great subscription deal.
Check to see your recent digital wallet transactions regularly, too. You might notice some suspicious payments that need further investigation.
Shop Wisely This Year
Be careful while you’re spending more this festive season. Make sure your money goes straight to reputable shops and merchants, not dodgy dealers looking for a quick payday.